The Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty) provides a program of education benefits to individuals who enter active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985 and receive an honorable discharge. Active duty includes full-time National Guard duty performed after November 29, 1989. Members of the Army and Air Force National Guard who enlisted between June 9, 1985 and November 29, 1989 had to decide before July 9, 1997 to participate in the Montgomery GI Bill.

To receive the maximum benefit, the participant must serve three years. An individual may also qualify for the full benefit by initially serving two continuous years on active duty, followed by four years of Selected Reserve service, beginning within one year of release of active duty.

Eligibility

To participate in the Montgomery GI Bill, service members must have their military pay reduced by $100 per month for the first twelve months of active duty. This money is not refundable. The participant must have a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate before the first period of active duty ends.

Completing twelve (12) credit hours toward a college degree also meets the requirement. Individuals who initially serve a continuous period of at least three years of active duty, even though they were initially obligated to serve less, will be paid the maximum benefit.

Benefits under this program generally end ten years from the date the service member leaves active duty. Extensions may be granted, however, under certain circumstances. Those requesting an extension should apply for such, providing a very sound reason why their education could not be completed within the 10-year time frame. A veteran whose discharge was upgraded by the military will have ten years from the date of the upgrade.